Vacuum-Fluorescent Displays: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Magnum, 2006 Dodge Charger, and 2006 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units are soldered to the EMIC electronic circuit board. With the ignition switch in the Off or Accessory positions, the odometer display is activated when the driver door is opened (Rental Car mode) and is deactivated when the driver door is closed. Otherwise, both display units are active when the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions, and inactive when the ignition switch is in the Off or Accessory positions.

The illumination intensity of the VFD units is controlled by the EMIC circuitry based upon an input from the headlamp switch and a dimming level input received from the panel dimmer switch. The EMIC synchronizes the illumination intensity of other VFD units with that of the units in the EMIC by sending electronic dimming level messages to other electronic modules in the vehicle over the CAN data bus.

While in the odometer mode with the ignition switch in the On position and the engine not running, depressing the odometer/trip odometer switch for about six seconds will display the engine hours information. Holding this switch depressed while turning the ignition switch from the Off position to the On position will initiate the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test. Refer to the instrument cluster diagnosis and testing service information for additional details on this cluster function. The EMIC microprocessor remembers which display mode is active when the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, and returns the VFD display to that mode when the ignition switch is turned On again.

The VFD units are diagnosed using the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test (Refer to ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) . Proper testing of the CAN data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs to the EMIC that control some of the VFD functions requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.